2015 Loose Ends

I fully intended on blogging between Christmas and New Years but obviously that didn't work out. Before the clock strikes 12 and everything switches to new years goals and resolutions I did want to post about Christmas and tie up a few loose ends before I jump into 2016.

My Christmas first started when Alex's package showed up! Alex blogs over at Whitehall & Rose and we were paired together for the Blogging Elite's Christmas Cheer Swap. I had the best time exchanging e-mails, reading her blog, following her on social media and getting to know her during the month leading up to the swap. Alex put together an awesome box and included scrapbook paper, stickers, an alpha stamp set, pretty metallic markers and two of my favourite treats - Reese and dark chocolate. Plus an adorable card. I can't say enough wonderful things about Alex. It was probably the easiest swap I've ever participated in and I really wish we were closer and could arrange an awesome blogger date! 

Christmas Eve afternoon J. and I had our own unconventional but awesome Christmas. 

Originally the plan was to go out for lunch when he finished work and then go back to his house to exchange presents. He ended up working a little later than anticipated and town was absolutely crazy by the time he was finished. We opted for McDonald's take out back to his house and a fast food lunch before presents. It wasn't the least bit fancy but I kind of love it. I'm positive that McDonald's lunch on Christmas Eve will not become a forever tradition but in this moment, when it's just the two of us it felt fitting. And knowing that I want to focus on documenting the everyday moments during 2016 this felt like a good start. Anyway, after we had finished our fries we got to presents. We had already determined that Christmas would be small since we're going away next month so I was pretty darn surprised when I opened my FitBit. Thankfully J. was equally as happy with the somewhat random assortment of stocking stuffers and gifts I had compiled. Shortly after gifts we went out separate ways to spend Christmas Eve night with our respective families. I headed to church and my aunts and was happily in bed by 11 p.m..

Christmas morning we opened our gifts, Peyton had the time of her life playing with wrapping paper, jumping in and out of boxes and bags and generally causing as much havoc as possible. We had Christmas dinner with my Dad's side of the family and then visited with my Mom's side. On Boxing Day (which I've only recently learned is mostly a thing in Canada and the U.K. and not so much anywhere else) I woke up bright an early and headed to the city to be reunited with H. & R.!

As per usual our time together included wine, Twisted Teas, hot tubbing, shopping (purchasing matching t-shirts) and a snow storm. My drive home on Monday was pretty sketchy but it was worth the time we got to spend together. 

Since I got home I've been visiting relatives, colouring in my adult colouring book, organizing my supplies to tackle both Project Life and One Little Word in 2016 and squeezing in time to stay caught up with The Curse of Oak Island and Top Chef!

I don't have any big plans for New Year's Eve. J. and I are going to make supper at his house (or go to his parents for Chinese that part is to be determined) and then spend the evening watching Harry Potter movies (we started the first one last night after homemade pizza) and playing boardgames. There is a supposed to be a fireworks display in town at midnight so we might check that out but it really depends on the weather. I have no interest in being outside in the cold for hours, especially in the snow. 

Blogging Elite Summer Swap

There are a million and one lists on my list of things to blog about and I have every intention of sharing them all with you at some point or another but right now I need to tell the world about another awesome swap I participated in with the Blogging Elite.

I was paired with Sacha over at Reloved Life. Sacha is phenomenally crafty and her blog is full of creative inspiration. I consider myself a pretty crafty person but I've got nothing on Sacha. Her blog also has lots of content about her own life plus some helpful hints about living a healthy lifestyle. I also LOVE that Sacha also lives in Canada. It's so rare to find a fellow Canadian in the vast blogsphere. 

My box was literally bursting with awesome summery things! Everything was so thoughtful including tea, supplies for s'mores and some great crafting materials. It's hard to choose a favourite thing but the mug is so perfect! I'm not sure if you can see it in the photo but it's a canoeing mug, which is totally awesome. I can't wait to drink a cup of tea out of the mug and scribble some thoughts in my notebook!

P.S. I was hopping to share some more close up photos but the internet decided to let me upload that one and that was all. Have I mentioned yet how hard it is to blog without good internet!? 

Tuesday Talk: Bookshelf Edition

I've always been a reader. You can read about some of my favourite books in this post and there have been a lot of other mentions about my favourite books over the lifespan of this blog. 

Once my contract is over for work I'm planning on doing some serious reading. So it seems fitting to do another post about what books I've got waiting on my bookshelf. I'm especially looking forward to reading in the sunshine while J. & I are on vacation next month. So far I have three books that I will definitely be packing but I'd like to add a fourth. I'm a pretty fast reader and J. is planning on playing a few rounds of golf which will be guaranteed reading time. I'd rather have one extra than one too few!

First up is The Fringe Hours.

I have really high expectations for this book. I first heard about it in blogland and I've read multiple reviews that really sing it's praises. With summer approaching and camp life looming making time for me is something I desperately need to improve on this year. I'm hoping that this book will really inspire me to make me time a priority. 

Second is Wonder courtsey of the lovely Elizabeth over at This Savvy Life. 

Elizabeth sent me this book as part of the Galentine's Day Swap I participated in through The Blogging Elite and I'm looking forward to having a lighter but not too light of a read after I finish The Fringe Hours. I love young adult books like this one that are pre-teen/teen friendly and have a really good message. I'm so excited to read this that it just might get bumped into first place ahead of The Fringe Hours!

Lastly (for now) is Kin. 

I adore Lesley Crewe's books and this one has a lot of really positive reviews. I'm anticipating the other two books leaving me with lots to think about long after the last page is turned. With this one I know I'll love it, but when it's over, it's over. It might be a book that I re-read a few times but I'm not anticipating it to leave a deep lasting impact.

I'd love to add a few more books to my must reads list. What books have you been talking about lately? 

Monday Morning Window

I experienced one of those weekends that was full of both relaxation and unexpected ordeals. 

The main unexpected ordeal being that my laptop is on the fritz (again). If you've been around these parts for a while you might remember this time last year when "God Wiped My Hard Drive" this time the trackpad is all wonky and I tried plugging in a mouse but it still wouldn't do what I want it to do and kept freezing and lagging. There's really no shame to it, I had it during my whole university career and the beginnings of my camp directing career. It's been though a lot. Still a bummer, but not the end of the world and there are much happier things to focus on to start the week.

First off, towards the end of last week I received some exciting mail! I participated in a Journal Swap  and was paired with the lovely Jess over at House of Hupfs. Jess is so sweet, and has the most adorable son. You should all make your way over to her blog and say 'hello'. Jess sent me this awesome journal that I can't wait to use!

The lighting was not cooperating with me when I was trying to take photos of the journal. The quote on the outside of the journal is glossier than the rest of the cover and it was reflecting the light. Eventually I took what I could get and you're all going to have to take my word for it that it is perfect! (The quote on the outside reads: "Don't remember the days remember the moments", which is a reminder we all sometimes need.)

Something I'm working on is being more intentional with blog posts and doing some planning in advance opposed to slapping it all together at the last minute. I knew that Kelli's Picture Practice for today was "Out The Window"so I did some real camera practice this weekend. Technically this view is from my deck but we have screens in all our windows so I had to improvise.

Autumn isn't my favourite season but I definitely appreciate how pretty the leaves are lining my driveway and covering the lawn. I adore summer and I hate winter but I do admit that I would miss the real change in seasons I get to experience on the east coast. 

Besides picture practice, computer woes and journal swaps my weekend involved a quick trip to the mall, birthday cake to celebrate my cousin turning 17, catching up with blogs and TV shows before settling into bed Sunday night with fresh sheets and a group conversation with H. & R. Here's hoping this week is full of good news and happiness!

Linking up my weekend here!

Pretty Little Beauty Swap Reveal!

I am so excited to write this post! Since I started blogging a few months back I've been seeing awesome reveal posts from bloggers who have participated in swaps and knew it was something I wanted to do 'eventually'. Back in November I came across the Pretty Little Beauty Swap hosted by Justine & Chelsee decided to make it my first swap! And I am so glad I did!! I was paired with Nikki from Blushed on a Budget and could not have asked for a better partner or first swap experience!

Friday I checked the mail and sure enough my package from Nikki was waiting for me! I opened it up right away and immediately loved everything inside! I also got to play with my new camera to try and capture the perfect shot to share on my blog!

Nikki sent me a cute plaid make up bag full of products that I can't wait to use!

Inside the bag was lip gloss, lip stick, mascara, eye shadow and scent samples.

With lots of family dinners and brunches and friend visits during the next few weeks I was definitely in need of some new lip stuff and an updated eye shadow. I can't thank Nikki enough for her package and I am so thankful my first swap experience was so amazing! If you're into trying new make up products and want to meet some wonderful new bloggers I highly recommend joining in the next round of Pretty Little Beauty Swap!